Nestled on the eastern slopes of the Samobor Hills and along the Gradna River, just under half an hour from Zagreb, a colorful and peaceful escape awaits – the town of Samobor. Perfect for a day trip, it offers visitors an authentic atmosphere and picturesque views that will captivate you instantly.
Where is located and how to get there
Unlike other places in Croatia where the journey is a real adventure, Samobor is extremely easy to reach as it is located very close to the main highway connecting Zagreb and the Slovenian border. This makes it a very convenient stop, even if you are traveling to or from Slovenia. The Croatian capital is just 25 km away, while the Slovenian one (Ljubljana) is 120 km away.
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If you don’t have a car, you can also reach Samobor by bus. The journey from Zagreb takes about 30-40 minutes, and buses are frequent, departing from the main bus station (you can find the exact schedule and buy a ticket HERE). While a railway line, known as “Samoborček,” existed in the past, it is no longer in operation. Thus, the bus remains the most convenient and budget-friendly alternative to a car.
We parked in a small parking lot behind the central square (HERE), but if there is no space there, you can use the spacious parking lot a little further away HERE.
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Lunch at Restaurant Gabrek 1929
Upon arriving just around noon, our first stop was Restaurant Gabrek 1929. The moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by an atmosphere that takes you back in time – a vintage, yet very cozy interior that creates a sense of tradition and history. The menu offers classic Croatian dishes, and we decided to try their famous mushroom soup, which turned out to be incredibly delicious. We also added boiled veal and roasted pork, but I must warn you that the portions are more than generous… The food was excellent, and the service was top-notch. This is the perfect place to try authentic local cuisine!
King Tomislav Square
Straight after our delicious lunch, we headed to the heart of the town – King Tomislav Square. Here, everything seems to stand still, and you are immersed in a serene atmosphere. The square is nestled among beautiful buildings in late Baroque, Classicist, and even Bauhaus styles, each of which is a historical monument. The City Hall building, designed by the famous Zagreb architect Bartol Felbinger, and the iconic Church of St. Anastasia, whose spire dominates the city’s skyline, are particularly impressive.
A curious fact is that the square acquired its current appearance only in 2002, and until 1925 it was known as “Leopold Salvator Square”, in honor of the Austrian Archduke.. Up until the early 19th century, it was an abandoned space, full of potholes and weeds, but thanks to the efforts of the mayor at the time, it began to take on its current welcoming look.
The square is a favorite spot for locals to have an afternoon coffee and is the center of city life, often hosting various events and markets. The artisanal traditions are highly developed in Samobor, and on the small streets around the square, you’ll find many shops offering products from local craftsmen. The lack of crowds on the streets made our walk incredibly pleasant. Immersed in the calm atmosphere among the picturesque facades, we could truly feel the pulse of the town and fully enjoy it.
More about Samobor
The history of Samobor is just as rich and colorful as the town itself. It was granted the status of a “free royal market town” as early as 1242 by the Croatian-Hungarian King Béla IV. This gave it special privileges and freed it from the power of local feudal lords. Just above the town, on a hill, stands the old fortress (Stari grad Samobor), built in the 13th century. Over the centuries it changed many rulers, but always stood as a silent witness to events and a symbol of the town’s independence (it can be reached after a short climb up the hill).
In the 19th century, Samobor became an important center of the Croatian National Revival, attracting many poets, writers, and artists who fell in love with its charm. At that time, it was already established as one of the most popular places for recreation and tourism, thanks to its beautiful nature and proximity to Zagreb.
Samobor’s Krempita – more than a dessert
When it comes to Samobor, there is one thing that locals and visitors recommend with passionate love – the krempita (kremšnita)! It’s the town’s emblem and more than just an ordinary dessert. To taste it in its authentic setting, we went to the confectionery shop “U prolazu“, which is known for having the best krempita in all of Croatia.
What sets it apart from other similar desserts is that here it’s served warm. Imagine crispy puff pastry and a delicate vanilla cream made from eggs, milk, and sugar that is light as a feather, all dusted with powdered sugar. Unlike the Zagreb krempita, which has a dense vanilla cream and chocolate icing, the Samobor version is light, airy, and melts in your mouth.
Legend has it that the original recipe was created by the pastry chef Djuro Lukačić, who returned to Samobor after working in Vienna, Budapest, and Zagreb. He modified the recipes he had learned and created this unique krempita, which quickly became a culinary icon. For the locals, it’s a symbol of the town and a mandatory part of every visit, and we can confirm it’s tastier than the one in Bled!
The krempita at “U prolazu” is so popular that there’s even a song dedicated to it, written by the local writer Joža Prudeus. This is a dessert that isn’t just eaten—it’s experienced.
A walk along the Gradna River
Before we left, we had time for a short walk along the Gradna River, which divides Samobor into two parts. The riverside promenades are extremely picturesque and offer a truly peaceful experience. The river’s waters are clean, and along its banks are quaint houses, most of which have colorful facades, but there are also some neglected ones… The greenery is everywhere and creates a sense of a true oasis!
The walk along the Gradna is a perfect end to a day full of impressions, giving you the chance to get a closer feel for the calm pace of life that is so characteristic of Samobor. This is the place where you can relax, take a deep breath, and enjoy the beauty of nature nestled right in the heart of the town.
What else to do in Samobor
Samobor is an ideal destination for a day trip, but if you want to dedicate more time to it, the area also offers other opportunities for active recreation. The town is located at the foot of the Samobor Hills, which are part of the Žumberak Nature Park (Park prirode Žumberak – Samoborsko gorje). This is an ideal place for lovers of mountains and long walks in nature!
The park has many well-marked trails that lead to waterfalls, streams, and picturesque meadows. You can enjoy a walk amidst lush greenery, hike up to one of the huts, or simply breathe fresh air away from the city noise.
For a final
Samobor is a perfect destination if you’re looking for something different from the main tourist routes in Croatia. Although it doesn’t have countless sights to keep you busy for days, the town offers something much more valuable – the chance to enjoy the authentic and peaceful life of the local people. Samobor is a great option for a day trip from Zagreb, and also a perfect stop if you are traveling by car towards Western Europe.
